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Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik will have a new and exciting weapon to work with in his first year as a play-caller.
Idzik chatted with reporters prior to Wednesday's outing of organized team activities. He was asked about rookie wideout Chris Brazzell II, and what his unique skill set can open up for the rest of the offense.
"Yeah, it's fun, man," Idzik replied. "It's pretty obvious when you have a guy who's not only fast, but a longer athlete like Chris that really stretches the safeties. It makes them hesitate for one more second on driving anything intermediate and underneath."
Brazzell, who stands at 6-foot-4 and 198 pounds, was selected by Carolina in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. In addition to his length, the 22-year-old also impressed with his speed in front of NFL evaluators—as he registered a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine back in February.
Idzik went on, adding that Brazzell should help with the run game as well.
"Some of the best blocking you can do is inviting cloud coverage," he continued. "So, when you have a guy that can take the top off, more times than not, those safeties have to honor it by either clouding or holding shell to discourage the deep pass.
"We had that with DK Metcalf when we [Idzik and head coach Dave Canales] were in Seattle. We had that with Mike Evans when we were in Tampa. And then last year, guys like Xavier [Legette] and Jalen [Coker] and T-Mac [Tetairoa McMillan] rolling on the outside—the safeties have to honor it."
If the safeties don't honor it, then the Panthers could have some quick sixes with Brazzell—who, as a first-team All-SEC selection in 2025, posted a conference-leading nine touchdowns while averaging 16.4 yards per reception.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers OTAs: OC Brad Idzik speaks on WR Chris Brazzell II
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Idzik chatted with reporters prior to Wednesday's outing of organized team activities. He was asked about rookie wideout Chris Brazzell II, and what his unique skill set can open up for the rest of the offense.
"Yeah, it's fun, man," Idzik replied. "It's pretty obvious when you have a guy who's not only fast, but a longer athlete like Chris that really stretches the safeties. It makes them hesitate for one more second on driving anything intermediate and underneath."
Brazzell, who stands at 6-foot-4 and 198 pounds, was selected by Carolina in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. In addition to his length, the 22-year-old also impressed with his speed in front of NFL evaluators—as he registered a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine back in February.
Idzik went on, adding that Brazzell should help with the run game as well.
"Some of the best blocking you can do is inviting cloud coverage," he continued. "So, when you have a guy that can take the top off, more times than not, those safeties have to honor it by either clouding or holding shell to discourage the deep pass.
"We had that with DK Metcalf when we [Idzik and head coach Dave Canales] were in Seattle. We had that with Mike Evans when we were in Tampa. And then last year, guys like Xavier [Legette] and Jalen [Coker] and T-Mac [Tetairoa McMillan] rolling on the outside—the safeties have to honor it."
If the safeties don't honor it, then the Panthers could have some quick sixes with Brazzell—who, as a first-team All-SEC selection in 2025, posted a conference-leading nine touchdowns while averaging 16.4 yards per reception.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers OTAs: OC Brad Idzik speaks on WR Chris Brazzell II
Continue reading...
